All Posts in Category: Environment

Each winter we see these little villages pop up all over our frozen lakes here in Ely and the surrounding area. It’s ice fishing time again!! Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital would like to remind you of a colorless, odorless danger that sends between 8,000-15,000 people to hospitals annually and can sink your chances at catching the “Big One” –

Carbon Monoxide

According to the Minnesota Department of Health website Carbon Monoxide is often known as the “silent killer” because initial symptoms are flu like and include; nausea, dizziness, weakness, intense headache and shortness of breath. These symptoms are often missed or ignored until eventually the victim losses consciousness and is unable to escape to safety.

NEVER use camp stoves, charcoal grills, fuel burning lanterns or generators inside your fish house. Heating equipment should be inspected often and in good working order. It is also a good idea to install a Carbon Monoxide detector and NEVER ignore the alarm.

Ely-Bloomenson would like to remind you that winter is a particularly dangerous time for Carbon Monoxide poisoning and your ice house is not the only house at risk. In your home have your furnace inspected annually by a qualified technician. Also, never leave your vehicle idling in a closed garage. Back your vehicle out and be sure that the exhaust pipes are clear of ice and snow.

This winter safety reminder is brought to you by your friends at Ely-Bloomenson Community Hospital.